I believe everyone has a story to tell, through seeking true, authentic insights about the entrepreneurial journey, I provide a platform for our peers to share their stories and inspire those that listen.
Welcome! I’m Sam Thomas, the host of the "Different Hats Podcast." In a world where entrepreneurs often feel pressured to wear countless hats, I believe in the power of authentic storytelling to redefine what success truly means. My mission is to help the 'World to See Success Differently' so you can achieve happiness, purpose, and fulfilment, by sharing real stories from those who’ve navigated the entrepreneurial landscape.
Through engaging conversations with peers and industry leaders like Chris Anderson of TED, I aim to provide you with the insights and inspiration needed to build the business you desire. Unlike other platforms, "Different Hats" focuses on the human side of entrepreneurship, moving beyond the performative aspects to foster genuine connections and meaningful growth.
Happy Listening 🎧
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I believe everyone has a story to tell, through seeking true, authentic insights about the entrepreneurial journey, I provide a platform for our peers to share their stories and inspire those that listen.
Welcome! I’m Sam Thomas, the host of the "Different Hats Podcast." In a world where entrepreneurs often feel pressured to wear countless hats, I believe in the power of authentic storytelling to redefine what success truly means. My mission is to help the 'World to See Success Differently' so you can achieve happiness, purpose, and fulfilment, by sharing real stories from those who’ve navigated the entrepreneurial landscape.
Through engaging conversations with peers and industry leaders like Chris Anderson of TED, I aim to provide you with the insights and inspiration needed to build the business you desire. Unlike other platforms, "Different Hats" focuses on the human side of entrepreneurship, moving beyond the performative aspects to foster genuine connections and meaningful growth.
Happy Listening 🎧
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does true success really mean? In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Sarah Willingham, entrepreneur, investor, former Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, and co-owner of the Brighton i360.
Sarah opens up about:
✨ Why she believes success is freedom, the ability to meander through life on your own terms.
✨ The heartbreaking loss of her soulmate during Covid and what he taught her about presence, happiness, and living fully.
✨ Her bold decision to take her four children out of school for three years to travel the world and why she calls it the best decision of her life.
✨ The challenges of entrepreneurship in hospitality, surviving Covid, and leading through tough times.
✨ Why she doesn’t believe in a career path but instead a life path building businesses and choices around lifestyle, values, and family.
✨ The lessons she’d tell her 20-year-old self (and why polishing basil leaves became her metaphor for life).
This raw and honest conversation shines a light on redefining success away from money, fame, or status, and instead towards balance, freedom, and presence.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by society’s blueprint for life, Sarah’s story will inspire you to carve your own path and embrace the beauty of just being.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 Defining success: freedom & presence
06:00 Curiosity, chaos & why Sarah loves variety
13:30 The flawed dictionary definition of success
17:00 Walking, nature & recalibrating from adrenaline
26:00 Diarising “nothing” & finding presence
28:30 Taking kids out of school to travel the world
39:00 Challenging the education system
53:00 Finding her “thing” in business
1:01:00 Entrepreneurship, resilience & the WHY
1:07:30 Surviving hospitality during Covid
1:10:30 Balance, chaos & polishing basil leaves
1:14:20 Advice to her 20-year-old self
1:17:00 What does a life well lived look like?
🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:
👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast
🔗 Connect with Sarah Willingham
Website: https://sarahwilligham.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwillingham/
💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.
SPONSORED BY:
Preston Insurance: https://prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk/ - Episode Sponsor
Search Seven www.searchseven.co.uk
Nostos Hove www.nostos-hove.co.uk
Rivervale www.rivervale.co.uk
Plus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/
PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.